Mobile communications receiving apparatus and method

ABSTRACT

In a mobile communication receiving apparatus in which signals received on a plurality of receiving paths (branches) are combined by a combiner, correlation between noise signals contained in the signals received on respective ones of the branches is detected by a noise correlation calculating unit, and control is exercised so as to maximize signal-to-noise power ratio of the combined signal based upon the correlation calculated in the noise correlation calculating unit. Signal-to-noise power ratio can be maximized even if noise components contained in respective ones of the branch signals are mutually correlated.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] This invention relates to a mobile communications receiving apparatus and method. More particularly, the invention relates to a mobile communications receiving apparatus and method for combining and receiving signals that have been received on a plurality of receiving branches.

[0002] A diversity combining reception method described in, e.g., “Demodulation of Digital Wireless Communications” by Yoichi Saito, published by the Electronic Information Communications Society (a corporate juridical person), First Edition, Third Printing, Sep. 1, 1997, pp. 189-191, is known as a technique involving a diversity combining receiver circuit in a mobile communications system.

[0003] In the reference mentioned above, the maximum ratio combining method is indicated as one method of diversity combining reception. According to the maximum ratio combining method, signals that have been received on a plurality of receiving paths (branches) are combined upon being weighted by the respective envelope levels (amplitude levels). FIG. 11 is a diagram useful in describing the maximum ratio combining method. Here a first receiving path (first branch) is formed by an antenna 1 a and a receiver 2 a, an envelope level detector 3 a detects the envelope of the receive signal in the first branch and a gain varying unit 4 a multiplies the receive signal by a gain g₁, which conforms to the envelope level, and outputs the resultant signal. A second receiving path (second branch) is formed by a directional antenna 1 b and a receiver 2 b, an envelope level detector 3 b detects the envelope of the receive signal in the second branch and a gain varying unit 4 b multiplies the receive signal by a gain g₂, which conforms to the envelope level, and outputs the resultant signal. A phase detector 5 detects the phase difference between the receive signals in the first and second branches, a phase shifter 6 shifts the phase of the receive signal in the second branch by an amount equivalent to the phase difference to thereby match the phases of the receive signals of the two branches, a combiner 7 combines the receive signals of the two branches weighted by the envelope levels, and a demodulator 8 demodulates the transmit data based upon the combined signal.

[0004] The maximum ratio combining method which, under certain conditions, maximizes SNR (Signal-to-noise power ratio) after the signals are combined, is in widespread use.

[0005] However, the maximum ratio combining method is the optimum combining method on the assumption that noise components contained in the receive signals of the respective branches have no mutual correlation. Accordingly, the maximum ratio combining method is not necessarily the best combining method in circumstances where it cannot be assumed that the noise components contained in the receive signals (referred to also as “branch signals” below) of each branch are not mutually correlated. It is possible that using this method to combine signals may worsen characteristics rather than improve them.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0006] Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a mobile communications receiving apparatus and method for solving the above-mentioned problem with the maximum ratio combining method, namely the fact that characteristics may be worsened rather than improved by combining receive signals in circumstances where it cannot be assumed that noise components contained in respective branch signals are not mutually correlated.

[0007] Another object of the present invention is to provide a mobile communications receiving apparatus and method in which SNR can be maximized even if noise components contained in respective branch signals are mutually correlated.

[0008] According to a first aspect of the present invention, the foregoing objects are attained by providing a mobile communications receiving apparatus for combining and receiving signals that have been received on a plurality of receiving paths, the apparatus calculating the correlation between noise signals contained in the signals received on the respective receiving paths and exercising control using the calculated correlation so as to maximize SNR of the combined signal.

[0009] According to a second aspect of the present invention, the foregoing objects are attained by providing a mobile communications receiving apparatus for combining and receiving signals that have been received on a plurality of receiving paths, the apparatus expressing the SNR of the combined signal using weighting coefficients applied to the receive signals, calculating optimum weighting coefficient values for which an amount of change in SNR with respect to a minute change in the weighting coefficients becomes zero, and controlling the SNR of the combined signal by applying the optimum weighting coefficient values to the receive signals.

[0010] According to a third aspect of the present invention, the foregoing objects are attained by providing a mobile communications receiving apparatus for combining and receiving signals that have been received on a plurality of receiving paths, the apparatus expressing the SNR of the combined signal using weighting coefficients applied to the receive signals, repeating processing for calculating SNR while changing the weighting coefficient values, calculating optimum weighting coefficient values for which the SNR is maximized, and controlling the SNR of the combined signal by applying the optimum weighting coefficient values to the receive signals.

[0011] According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, the foregoing objects are attained by providing a mobile communications receiving apparatus comprising: (1) desired signal detecting means, provided in association with respective ones of a plurality of receive signals received on a plurality of receiving paths, for detecting amplitude information of desired signals; (2) noise signal detecting means, provided in association with respective ones of the receive signals, for detecting noise signals; (3) noise average power detecting means, provided in association with respective ones of the receive signals, for detecting average power of the noise signals detected by the noise signal detecting means; (4) noise correlation detecting means for detecting cross-correlation of the noise signals with regard to all combinations of the plurality of noise signals detected by the plurality of noise signal detecting means; (5) weighting coefficient calculating means for calculating weighting coefficients based upon the amplitude information of the desired signals detected by respective ones of the desired signal detecting means, the noise average power detected by respective ones of the noise average power detecting means and the noise-signal cross-correlation detected by the noise correlation detecting means; (6) weighting means for multiplying the receive signals by corresponding ones of the weighting coefficients calculated by the weighting-coefficient calculating means; and (7) combining means for adding and combining outputs from all of the weighting means.

[0012] The noise correlation detecting means calculates the cross-correlation between the noise signal of a prescribed receiving path 1 and the noise signal of another receiving path 2 by way of (1) to (5) below. Specifically, letting X1 represent an in-phase component of noise of the receiving path 1, X2 an in-phase component of noise of the receiving path 2, Y1 a quadrature component of noise of the receiving path 1 and Y2 a quadrature component of noise of the receiving path 2, cross-correlation between noise signals is calculated by (1) adding the product of Y1 and Y2 to the product of X1 and X2 and obtaining an expected value of the sum; (2) multiplying the expected value by the cosine value of the difference between a desired-signal phase of the receiving path 2 and a desired-signal phase of the receiving path 1; (3) subtracting the product of X1 and Y2 from the product of X2 and Y1 and obtaining an expected value of the difference; (4) multiplying the expected value by the sine value of the difference between the desired-signal phase of the receiving path 2 and the desired-signal phase of the receiving path 1; and (5) summing the products.

[0013] Further, if there have been found a plurality of sets of weighting coefficients of each of the receiving paths for which an amount of change in signal-to-noise power ratio with respect to a minute change in the weighting coefficients becomes zero, then, when the desired signal amplitudes of the respective receiving paths have been added upon being weighted by the corresponding weighting coefficients set by set, the weighting coefficient calculating means outputs a set of the weighting coefficients for which the sum will be a positive value.

[0014] Other features and advantages of the present invention will be apparent from the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0015]FIG. 1 is a diagram (a characteristic diagram of the relationship between SNR and a weighting coefficient) useful in describing the fundamental principles of the present invention;

[0016]FIG. 2 is a diagram useful in describing control for correcting phase rotation caused by propagation;

[0017]FIG. 3 is a diagram useful in describing intervals of known data and information data constituting transmit data in a mobile communications system according to the present invention;

[0018]FIG. 4 is a block diagram of a mobile communications receiving apparatus according to the present invention;

[0019]FIG. 5 is a block diagram of a desired signal/noise signal detector;

[0020]FIG. 6 is a flowchart of processing for calculating weighting coefficients;

[0021]FIG. 7 is another flowchart of processing for calculating a value of K for which γ is maximized;

[0022]FIG. 8 shows the results of a simulation for describing the effects of the present invention;

[0023]FIG. 9 is a diagram useful in describing an example in which the present invention is applied to beam control of a directional antenna;

[0024]FIG. 10 is a diagram useful in describing an example in which the present invention is applied to path selection control in a path searcher; and

[0025]FIG. 11 is a diagram useful in describing the maximum ratio combining method according to the prior art.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

[0026] (A) Fundamental Principles

[0027] Maximum ratio combining according to the prior art introduces the supposition that noise components contained in branch signals are not mutually correlated, i.e., that the correlation between the signals is zero. This means that conventional maximum ratio combining is inappropriate when noise components contained in branch signals exhibit cross-correlation. Accordingly, the present invention is so adapted as to find weighting coefficients, which are used when signals are combined, such that SNR after signals are combined will be maximized even if the correlation between noise components contained in branch signals is not zero. As a result, suitable diversity combining can be achieved without worsening characteristics, as occurs when signals are combined in accordance with conventional maximum ratio combining, even if noise components contained in the receive signals on respective receiving paths exhibit cross-correlation.

[0028] The fundamental principles of this embodiment will now be described.

[0029] In general, two branch signals are represented by Equations (1) and (2) below.

R ₁ =A ₁ s+B ₁ w ₁  (1)

R ₂ =A ₂ s+B ₂ w ₂  (2)

[0030] where s represents a desired signal (unit vector), and w₁, w₂ represent noise (unit vectors) of branches 1, 2. It is assumed that the following holds: Ex[s²]=Ex[w₁ ²]=Ex[w₂ ²]=1 (where Ex[ ] represents an expected value over an observation interval). Further, A₁, B₁, A₂, B₂ represent the amplitudes of the desired signals and noise on branches 1 and 2.

[0031] Even if the issue of the diversity combining of the two branch signals R₁ and R₂ is replaced by the issue of the combining of r₁ and r₂ defined by Equations (3) and (4) below, there will be no loss in generality. Accordingly, R₁ and R₂ will be considered to be r₁ and r₂, respectively, below.

r ₁ =R ₁ /A ₁ =s+M ₁ w ₁  (3)

r ₂ =R ₂ /A ₂ =s+M ₂ w ₂  (4)

[0032] where M₁=B₁/A₁, M₂=B₂/A₂.

[0033] We find an optimum value K^((op)) of a coefficient K that will maximize the SNR (signal-to-noise power ratio) γ of a signal R_(c), which is obtained by combining r₁ and r₂, represented by Equation (5) below. The SNR γ of the combined signal R_(c) is expressed by Equation (6) below, where N₁₂=Ex[w₁w₂]. $\begin{matrix} \begin{matrix} {R_{c} = \quad {{{\left( {1/A_{1}} \right)R_{1}} + {\left( {K/A_{2}} \right)R_{2}}} = {r_{1} + {Kr}_{2}}}} \\ {\gamma = \quad {\left( {1 + K} \right)^{2}{{{Ex}\left\lbrack s^{2} \right\rbrack}/{{Ex}\left\lbrack \left( {{M_{1}w_{1}} + {{KM}_{2}w_{2}}} \right)^{2} \right\rbrack}}}} \\ {= \quad {\left( {1 + K} \right)^{2}{{{Ex}\left\lbrack s^{2} \right\rbrack}/\left\{ {{M_{1}^{2}{{Ex}\left\lbrack w_{1}^{2} \right\rbrack}} + {K^{2}M_{2}^{2}{{Ex}\left\lbrack w_{2}^{2} \right\rbrack}} +} \right.}}} \\ {\quad \left. {2{KM}_{1}M_{2}{{Ex}\left\lbrack {w_{1}w_{2}} \right\rbrack}} \right\}} \end{matrix} & (5) \end{matrix}$

 =(1+K)²/(M ₁ ² +K ² M ₂ ²+2KM ₁ M ₂ N ₁₂)  (6)

[0034] The relationship between SNR γ and the weighting coefficient K is as illustrated in FIG. 1. The optimum value K^((op)) that provides the maximum value of SNR γ is obtained from Equation (8) by solving Equation (7) below based upon the maximal conditions.

dγ/dK=0  (7)

K ^((op))=(M ₁ ² −M ₁ M ₂ N ₁₂)/(M ₂ ² −M ₁ M ₂ N ₁₂)  (8)

[0035] Equation (8) is derived as shown below. Specifically, if Equation (6) is differentiated with respect to K, Equation (7a) is obtained. $\begin{matrix} \begin{matrix} {{d\quad {\gamma/d}\quad K} = \quad \left\{ {2\left( {1 + K} \right)\left( {M_{1}^{2} + {K^{2}M_{2}^{2}} + {2{kM}_{1}M_{2}N_{12}} -} \right.} \right.} \\ {{\quad \left. {\left( {1 + K} \right)^{2}\left( {{2{KM}_{2}^{2}} + {2M_{1}M_{2}N_{12}}} \right)} \right\}}/} \\ {\quad \left( {M_{1}^{2} + {K^{2}M_{2}^{2}} + {2{KM}_{1}M_{2}N_{12}}} \right)^{2}} \\ {= \quad {2\left( {1 + K} \right)\left\{ {{\left( {{M_{1}M_{2}N_{12}} - M_{2}^{2}} \right)K} + M_{1}^{2} - {M_{1}M_{2}N_{12}}} \right\}/}} \\ {\quad \left( {M_{1}^{2} + {K^{2}M_{2}^{2}} + {2{KM}_{1}M_{2}N_{12}}} \right)^{2}} \end{matrix} & \left( {7a} \right) \end{matrix}$

[0036] Though there are two solutions that provide dγ/dK=0, namely K=−1 and K=(M₁ ²−M₁M₂N₁₂)(M₂ ²−M₁M₂N₁₂), γ=0 holds in case of K=−1 and is the solution that gives the minimum value. The other solution, therefore, namely

K=(M ₁ ² −M ₁ M ₂ N ₁₂)/(M ₂ ² −M ₁ M ₂ N ₁₂)

[0037] is the optimum value K^((op)) that gives the maximum value of SNR γ.

[0038] The combined signal when K=K^((op)) holds is r₁+K^((op))r₂, and SNR γ₍₂₎ ^((op)) becomes

γ₍₂₎ ^((op))=(1+K ^((op)))²/(M ₁ ² +K ^((op)2) M ₂ ²+2K ^((op)) M ₁ M ₂ N ₁₂)  (9)

[0039] From Equation (8), the weighting ratio of branches 1, 2 becomes

1:K ^((op))=1/(M ₁ ² −M ₁ M ₂ N ₁₂):1/(M ₂ ² −M ₁ M ₂ N ₁₂)  (10)

[0040] The combined signal Rc becomes as follows in accordance with Equations (3), (4):

(s+M ₁ w ₁)/(M ₁ ² −M ₁ M ₂ N ₁₂)+(s+M ₂ w ₂)/(M ₂ ² −M ₁ M ₂ N ₁₂)  (11)

[0041] If the relationships M₁=B₁/A₁, M₂=B₂/A₂ are substituted into Equation (11), then the combined signal Rc will be expressed as follows:

A ₁ /{B ₁ ²−(A ₁ /A ₂)B ₁ B ₂ N ₁₂}×(A ₁ s+B ₁ w ₁)+A ₂ /{B ₂ ²−(A ₂ /A ₁)B ₁ B ₂ N ₁₂}×(A ₂ s+B ₂ w ₂)  (12)

[0042] In other words, weighting coefficients G₁, G₂ of the combination with respect to the two branch signals A₁s+B₁w₁ and A₂s+B₂w₂ are as follows:

G ₁ =A ₁ /{B ₁ ²−(A ₁ /A ₂)B ₁ B ₂ N ₁₂}  (13)

G ₂ =A ₂ /{B ₂ ²−(A ₂ /A ₁)B ₁ B ₂ N ₁₂}  (14)

[0043] In Equations (13), (14), A₁, A₂ represent the signal amplitudes of the branches 1, 2, respectively, B₁ ², B₂ ² the noise powers of the branches 1, 2, respectively, and B₁B₂N₁₂ the cross-correlation between the noise signals of branches 1 and 2. All of these are measurable parameters.

[0044] (B) Elaboration of Fundamental Principles

[0045] (a) Deciding Weighting Coefficients

[0046] Weighting coefficients are sought in such a manner that the SNR will take on a maximum value. That is, weighting coefficients are sought using the ratio of signal-component power to noise-component power as an evaluation function. This means that the set (−G₁, −G₂) obtained by changing the signs of the solutions found from Equations (13), (14) also can be a solution. When either the set (G₁, G₂) or the set (−G₁, −G₂) is decided upon as the final set of weighting coefficients, it is necessary to select the set of weighting coefficients that will not change the sign of the signal component after signals are combined (after signals are weighted and then added). The reason is that if the sign of the signal component were to change owing to the combining of signals, digital data 0, 1 would be discriminated erroneously. In other words, the set (G₁, G₂) is selected if G₁A₁+G₂A₂ is positive. If G₁A₁+G₂A₂ is negative, then the set (−G₁, −G₂) is selected so that the combined signal will be rendered positive. The selected coefficients are adopted as the final weighting coefficients.

[0047] (b) Application of Present Invention to Three Branches

[0048] The fundamental principles outlined above were described in the case of two branches. A situation where three or more branch signals are combined will now be described.

[0049] A combined signal Rc^((op)) obtained by combining two branch signals is as indicated by Equation (15) below based upon the fundamental principles described above. $\begin{matrix} \begin{matrix} {{Rc}^{({op})} = {r_{1} + {K^{({op})}r_{2}}}} \\ {= {{\left( {1 + K^{({op})}} \right)s} + {M_{1}w_{1}} + {K^{({op})}M_{2}w_{2}}}} \end{matrix} & (15) \end{matrix}$

[0050] The combining of three branch signals can be considered to involve the combining of a branch signal represented by Equation (16) below with the optimum combined signal of two branch signals represented by Equation (15).

R ₃ =A ₃ s+B ₃ w ₃  (16)

[0051] where w₃ represents the noise in branch 3. It is assumed that Ex[w₃ ²]=1 holds. Further, A₃, B₃ are the amplitudes of the desired signal and noise, respectively, on branch 3.

[0052] Even if the issue of the diversity combining of Rc^((op)) and R₃ is replaced by the issue of the combining of r_(c) and r₃ defined by Equations (17) and (18) below, there will be no loss in generality, in a manner similar to that set forth in the description of fundamental principles. Accordingly, Rc^((op)) and R₃ will be considered to be r_(c) and r₃, respectively, below. $\begin{matrix} \begin{matrix} {r_{c} = \quad {R_{c}^{({op})}/\left( {1 + K^{({op})}} \right)}} \\ {= \quad {s + {\left\lbrack {M_{1}/\left( {1 + K^{({op})}} \right)} \right\rbrack w_{1}} + {\left\lbrack {K^{({op})}{M_{2}/\left( {1 + K^{({op})}} \right)}} \right\rbrack w_{2}}}} \\ {= \quad {s + {M_{c}w_{c}}}} \end{matrix} & (17) \end{matrix}$

 r ₃ =s+M ₃ w ₃  (18)

[0053] where M₃=B₃/A₃. Further, we have the following relations:

M _(c) ²=1/γ₍₂₎ ^((op))  (19)

M _(c) w _(c) =[M ₁/(1+K ^((op)))]w ₁ +[K ^((op)) M ₂/(1+K ^((op)))]w2  (20)

[0054] In a manner similar to that set forth in the fundamental principles, an optimum value L^((op)) of a coefficient L that will maximize the SNR γ of a combined signal r_(c)+Lr₃ obtained by combining r_(c) and r₃ is obtained by the following:

L ^((op))=(M _(c) ² −M _(c) M ₃ N _(c3))/(M ₃ ² −M _(c) M ₃ N _(c3))  (21)

[0055] Since N_(c3)=Ex[w_(c)w₃] holds, we have $\begin{matrix} \begin{matrix} {{M_{c}M_{3}N_{c3}} = \quad {{Ex}\left\lbrack {M_{c}w_{c}M_{3}w_{3}} \right\rbrack}} \\ {= \quad {{Ex}\left\lbrack \left\{ {{\left( {M_{1}/\left( {1 + K^{({op})}} \right)} \right)w_{1}} + K^{({op})}} \right. \right.}} \\ \left. {{\quad \left. {\left( {M_{2}/\left( {1 + K^{({op})}} \right)} \right)w_{2}} \right\}}M_{3}w_{3}} \right\rbrack \\ {= \quad {{M_{1}M_{3}{N_{13}/\left( {1 + K^{({op})}} \right)}} +}} \\ {\quad {K^{({op})}M_{2}M_{3}{N_{23}/\left( {1 + K^{({op})}} \right)}}} \end{matrix} & (22) \end{matrix}$

[0056] where N₁₃=Ex[w₁w₃], N₂₃=Ex[w₂w₃].

[0057] The optimum combined signal at this time is $\begin{matrix} \begin{matrix} {{r_{c} + {L^{({op})}r^{3}}} = \quad {{R_{c}^{({op})}/\left( {1 + K^{({op})}} \right)} + {L^{({op})}r_{3}}}} \\ {= \quad {{\left( {r_{1} + {K^{({op})}r_{2}}} \right)/\left( {1 + K^{({op}}} \right)} + {L^{({op})}r_{3}}}} \\ {= \quad {{\left\{ {1/{A_{1}\left( {1 + K^{({op})}} \right)}} \right\} \times R_{1}} +}} \\ {\quad {{\left\{ {K^{({op})}/{A_{2}\left( {1 + K^{({op})}} \right)}} \right\} R_{2}} + {\left\{ {L^{({op})}/A_{3}} \right\} \times R_{3}}}} \end{matrix} & (23) \end{matrix}$

[0058] Further, as in Equation (9), SNR γ₍₃₎ ^((op)) is written as follows:

γ₍₃₎ ^((op))=(1+L ^((op)))²/(M _(c) ² +L ^((op)2) M ₃ ²+2L ^((op)) M _(c) M ₃ N _(c3))  (24)

[0059] From Equation (23), weighting coefficients G₁, G₂, G₃ corresponding to the three branch signals R₁, R₂, R₃, respectively, are as follows:

G ₁=1/A ₁(1+K ^((op)))  (25)

G ₂ =K ^((op)) /A ₂(1+K ^((op)))  (26)

G ₃ =L ^((op)) /A ₃  (27)

[0060] Weighting coefficients in case of four or more branches can be obtained in similar fashion by repeating the approach described above.

[0061] (c) In Case of Complex Notation

[0062] The noise components w₁, w₂ in Equations (1), (2) comprise an in-phase component (I component) and a quadrature component (Q component). Here the results of the section pertaining to fundamental principles will be described supplementarily from the viewpoint of the I, Q components. In general, the I, Q components are denoted by a complex number in which the I component is the real part and the Q component the imaginary part. Accordingly, the description rendered below also will make use of complex notation.

[0063] Since w₁, w₂ are complex numbers, the denominator (noise power) in Equation (6) becomes as shown in Equation (28) below, where * represents a complex conjugate. If a signal is expressed by a complex number A, the signal power is expressed as the product between the complex number A and its complex conjugate A*. $\begin{matrix} \begin{matrix} {\begin{matrix} {{Ex}\left\lbrack \left( {{M_{1}w_{1}} + {{KM}_{2}w_{2}}} \right) \right.} \\ \left. \left( {{M_{1}w_{1}} + {{KM}_{2}w_{2}}} \right)^{*} \right\rbrack \end{matrix} = \quad {{Ex}\left\lbrack \left( {{M_{1}w_{1}} + {{KM}_{2}w_{2}}} \right) \right.}} \\ {\quad \left. \left( {{M_{1}w_{1}^{*}} + {{KM}_{2}w_{2}^{*}}} \right) \right\rbrack} \\ {= \quad {{M_{1}^{2}{{Ex}\left\lbrack {w_{1}w_{1}^{*}} \right\rbrack}} + {K^{2}M_{2}^{2}{{Ex}\left\lbrack {w_{2}w_{2}^{*}} \right\rbrack}} +}} \\ {\quad {{KM}_{1}M_{2}{{Ex}\left\lbrack {{w_{1}^{*}w_{2}} + {w_{1}w_{2}^{*}}} \right\rbrack}}} \\ {= \quad {M_{1}^{2} + {K^{2}M_{2}^{2}} + {2{KM}_{1}M_{2}N_{12}^{\prime}}}} \end{matrix} & (28) \end{matrix}$

[0064] Here we have

N ₁₂ ′=EX[w ₁ *w ₂ +w ₁ w ₂*]/2  (29)

[0065] That is, it will be understood from the contrast between the denominator of Equation (6) and Equation (28) that it will suffice if N₁₂ in the results set forth in the description of fundamental principles is replaced by N₁₂′.

[0066] Furthermore, if

w ₁ =x ₁ +jy ₁  (30)

w ₂ =x ₂ +jy ₂  (31)

[0067] hold in Equation (29) (where j is the complex number of j²=−1), then the fact that the following holds is readily derived:

w ₁ *w ₂ +w ₁ w ₂*=2(x ₁ x ₂ +y ₁ y ₂)  (32)

[0068] (d) Phase Correction

[0069] When radio waves propagate in the case of mobile communications, phase rotation occurs owing to the characteristics of the propagation path. More specifically, even though the signal on the I-component axis (Q component=0) is transmitted, the receive signals on branches 1 and 2 are received after their phases have been rotated by θ₁ and θ₂, respectively, as illustrated in FIG. 2. In a situation where diversity combining is carried out, it is necessary to detect the amounts of phase rotation θ₁, θ₂ through some method, apply rotation in the opposite direction by equivalent amounts of phase rotation to match the phases of the receive signals on the two branches, and then combine the signals.

[0070] Here reference will be had to FIG. 2 to describe the relationship between the cross-correlation of noise before phase rotation of radio-wave propagation is corrected and the cross-correlation of noise after the correction is made.

[0071] When a correction is made by applying rotation in the reverse direction by phase-rotation amounts θ₁, θ₂ obtained by detecting the receive signals of branches 1, 2 in FIG. 2 through some method, the noise components w₁, w₂ also are rotated by θ₁, θ₂, respectively, and w₁′, w₂′ in Equations (33), (34) are obtained.

w ₁ ′=w ₁(cos θ₁ −j sin θ₁)=(x ₁ +jy ₁)(cos θ₁ −j sin θ₁)  (33)

w ₂ ′=w ₂(cos θ₂ −j sin θ₂)=(x ₂ +jy ₂)(cos θ₂ −j sin θ₂)  (34)

[0072] The cross-correlation between w₁′ and w₂′ is obtained by Ex[w₁′*w₂′+w₁′w₂′*]/2 in a manner similar to that of Equation (29). Furthermore, the fact that the terms within the expected-value operation Ex[ ] in this equation are as follows may readily be derived:

w ₁ ′*w ₂ ′+w ₁ ′w ₂′*=2(x ₁ x ₂ +y ₁ y ₂)cos(θ₁−θ₂)+2(x ₂ y ₁ −x ₁ y ₂)sin(θ₁−θ₂)  (35)

[0073] That is, if the expected values of x₁x₂+y₁y₂ and x₂y₁−x₁y₂ are found before the phase correction, the cross-correlation after the phase correction can be obtained from Equation (35).

[0074] (C) Structure of Mobile Communication Receiving Apparatus of This Invention

[0075] An embodiment of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the drawings. It should be noted that this is a case where the mobile communication receiving apparatus of this embodiment is applied to a mobile communications system in which known data (a pilot, etc.) of a predetermined duration is transmitted upon being inserted at predetermined time intervals between items of transmitted information data (user data) on the transmitting side, as shown in FIG. 3.

[0076] (a) Overall Structure

[0077]FIG. 4 is a block diagram of a mobile communications receiving apparatus according to the present invention. Here the apparatus has a structure for two-branch diversity combining.

[0078] A receive signal that has entered from a signal input unit 1-1 on branch 1 is applied to a demodulator 2-1. The demodulator 2-1 executes demodulation processing and outputs the demodulated signal to a desired-signal/noise-signal detector 3-1 and to a queuing buffer 7-1. The desired-signal/noise-signal detector 3-1 detects an envelope (time-series amplitude information) of the desired signal and noise from the demodulated signal that is the output of the demodulator 2-1, and outputs the envelope of the desired signal to a weighting coefficient calculating unit 6 and the noise signals to a noise average power detector 4-1 and noise correlation detector 5. The noise average power detector 4-1 detects noise average power from the noise signals that are the output of the desired-signal/noise-signal detector 3-1 and outputs the detected noise average power to the weighting-coefficient calculating unit 6.

[0079] Similarly, a receive signal that has entered from a signal input unit 1-2 on branch 2 is applied to a demodulator 2-2. The demodulator 2-2 executes demodulation processing and outputs the demodulated signal to a desired-signal/noise-signal detector 3-2 and to a queuing buffer 7-2. The desired-signal/noise-signal detector 3-2 detects an envelope of the desired signal and noise from the demodulated signal that is the output of the demodulator 2-2, and outputs the envelope of the desired signal to the weighting coefficient calculating unit 6 and the noise signals to a noise average power detector 4-2 and the noise correlation detector 5. The noise average power detector 4-2 detects noise average power from the noise signals that are the output of the desired-signal/noise-signal detector 3-2 and outputs the detected noise average power to the weighting-coefficient calculating unit 6.

[0080] The noise correlation detector 5 detects correlation between the noise signals on branches 1 and 2 from the noise signals on branch 1, which are the outputs of the desired-signal/noise-signal detector 3-1, and the noise signals on branch 2, which are the outputs of the desired-signal/noise-signal detector 3-2 and outputs the detected correlation between the noise signals to the weighting-coefficient calculating unit 6.

[0081] The buffer 7-1 outputs the demodulated signal, which is the output of the demodulator 2-1, to a multiplier 8-1 upon delaying the signal a predetermined length of time. The buffer 7-2 outputs the demodulated signal, which is the output of the demodulator 2-2, to a multiplier 8-2 upon delaying the signal a predetermined length of time.

[0082] The weighting-coefficient calculating unit 6 calculates weighting coefficient G₁ of branch 1 and weighting coefficient G₂ of branch 2 in accordance with Equations (13) and (14), respectively, from the envelope of the desired signal on branch 1 output by the desired-signal/noise-signal detector 3-1, the envelope of the desired signal on branch 2 output by the desired-signal/noise-signal detector 3-2, the noise average power on branch 1 output by the noise average power detector 4-1, the noise average power on branch 2 output by the noise average power detector 4-2, and the noise correlation between branches 1 and 2 output by the noise correlation detector 5, outputs the weighting coefficient G₁ of branch 1 to the multiplier 8-1 and outputs the weighting coefficient G₂ of branch 2 to the multiplier 8-2.

[0083] The multiplier 8-1 multiplies the demodulated signal output from the buffer 7-1 by the weighting coefficient G₁ of branch 1 and outputs the product to a combiner 9. The multiplier 8-2 multiplies the demodulated signal output from the buffer 7-2 by the weighting coefficient G₂ of branch 2 and outputs the product to the combiner 9. The combiner 9 adds the outputs of the multipliers 8-1 and 8-2 and outputs the sum.

[0084] (b) Structure of Desired-signal/Noise-signal Detector

[0085]FIG. 5 is a block diagram of the desired-signal/noise-signal detector 3-1.

[0086] A known-data interval timing signal generator 31 aturns on a switch 31 b during the known-data interval of a demodulated signal output from the demodulator 2-1. The timing of the known-data interval can be readily obtained taking into consideration the phase of a receive spreading code being detected in a spreading code synchronizing unit (not shown) and the predetermined signal format illustrated in FIG. 3.

[0087] A known-data-pattern generator 31 c generates and outputs known data (one example of which is a complex constant in which the real part is “1” and the imaginary part is “1”) in a predetermined known-data interval. A known-data-component eliminating unit 31 d eliminates a known data component from demodulated symbols in the known-data interval. More specifically, the known-data-component eliminating unit 31 d eliminates the known data component from the demodulated symbols by multiplying the demodulated symbols by the complex conjugate value of the known data.

[0088] After the known data component is eliminated, the demodulated symbols are stored in a demodulated-symbol buffer 31 e in accordance with the time at which the symbols were received. If I represents the number of symbols in the interval of the known data, the demodulated-symbol buffer will be for I-number of symbols.

[0089] A switch 31 f initially is connected to a contact 1. An average value calculating unit 31 g calculates the average value of I symbol's worth of demodulated symbols stored in the demodulated-symbol buffer 31 e and outputs the result of calculation as envelope information (amplitude information) of the desired signal.

[0090] Following the averaging calculation performed by the average value calculating unit 31 g, the switch 31 f is connected to a contact 2 and a subtractor 31 h subtracts the above-mentioned envelope information of the desired signal from each of the I symbol's worth of demodulated symbols, which have been stored in the demodulated-symbol buffer 31 e, in accordance with the time at which the symbols were received and outputs the result as a noise signal.

[0091] In general, a branch signal R(t) is represented by the following equation:

R(t)=As(t)+Bw(t)

[0092] where s(t) represents a desired signal and w(t) represents noise on the branch. It is assumed that Ex[s(t)²]=Ex[w(t)²]=1 (where Ex[ ] represents the expected value in the observed interval). Further, A, B represent the amplitudes of the desired signal and noise, respectively, on the branch.

[0093] The envelope information of the desired signal and the noise signals obtained by the desired-signal/noise-signal detector 3-1 correspond to A and Bw(t), respectively, in the above equation.

[0094] (D) Operation of Receiving Apparatus of the Invention

[0095] The demodulator 2-1 subjects the receive signal of branch 1 to demodulation processing that corresponds to modulation processing performed on the transmitter side. For example, if spread-spectrum modulation is being carried out on the transmitter side, then the demodulator 2-1 executes despread processing and outputs the demodulated symbols at the symbol speed.

[0096] The desired-signal/noise-signal detector 3-1 executes the processing described in connection with FIG. 5 and outputs the envelope information A of the desired signal and the noise signal Bw(t).

[0097] The noise average power detector 4-1 calculates the average power of the noise signals, which enter from the desired-signal/noise-signal detector 3-1, in the known-data interval and outputs the result.

[0098] The demodulator 2-2, desired-signal/noise-signal detector 3-2 and noise average power detector 4-2 subject the receive signal of branch 2 to processing similar to that executed by the demodulator 2-1, desired-signal/noise-signal detector 3-1 and noise average power detector 4-1.

[0099] On the basis of noise signals n₁(1), n₁(2), . . . , n₁(i), . . . n₁(I) in the known-data interval output by the desired-signal/noise-signal detector 3-1 and the noise signals n₂(1), n₂(2), . . . , n₂(i), . . . n₂(I) in the known-data interval output by the desired-signal/noise-signal detector 3-2, the noise correlation detector 5 calculates and outputs correlations Corr_I, Corr_Q of noise on branch 1 and noise on branch 2 in accordance with the following equations:

Corr _(—) I=Ex _(i=1),_(I) [x ₁(i)x ₂(i)+y ₁(i)y ₂(i)]  (36)

Corr _(—) Q=Ex _(i=1),_(I) [x ₂(i)y ₁(i)−x ₁(i)y ₂(i)]  (37)

[0100] where I represents the number of symbols in a single known-data interval. Further, Ex_(i=1),_(I)[ ] represents calculation of the average value from i=1 to i=I. In addition, the following hold:

n ₁(i)=x ₁(i)+jy ₁(i)  (38)

n ₂(i)=x ₂(i)+jy ₂(i)  (39)

[0101] Let A(m) represent the envelope information of the desired signal in an mth known-data interval (denoted by “time m” below), P(m) the average power of noise, and Corr_I(m), Corr_Q(m) the noise correlations. Envelope information A₁(m) of the desired signal output from the desired-signal/noise-signal detector 3-1, envelope information A₂(m) of the desired signal output from the desired-signal/noise-signal detector 3-2, noise average power P₁(m), which is the output of the noise average power detector 4-1, noise average power P₂(m), which is the output of the noise average power detector 4-2, and the noise correlations Corr_I(m), Corr_Q(m) between the branches 1 and 2 output from the noise correlation detector 5 are input to the weighting-coefficient calculating unit 6, which calculates the weighting coefficients G₁, G₂ of the receive signals on branches 1, 2, respectively, by executing the processing {circle over (1)} to {circle over (6)} below.

[0102] {circle over (1)} Processing for Weighted Moving Average of Desired-signal Envelope Information

[0103] The following processing for obtaining the weighted moving average is executed with regard to A₁(t), A₂(t) at times t=m, m−1, . . . , m−(MW−1):

A ₁ ′=Ex _(i=0,(MA−1))[α_(i) A ₁(m−i)]  (40)

A ₂ ′=Ex _(i=0,(MA−1))[α₁ A ₂(m−i)]  (41)

[0104] Here a weighted average length MA and weight value α_(i) are predetermined values.

[0105] {circle over (2)} Processing for Weighted Moving Average of Noise Average Power and Noise Correlation

[0106] The following processing for obtaining the weighted moving average is executed with regard to P₁(m), P₂(m), Corr_I(m), Corr_Q(m) at times t=m, m−1, . . . , m−(MW−1):

P ₁ ′=Ex _(i=0,(MW−1))[β_(i) P ₁(m−i)]  (42)

P ₂ ′=Ex _(i=0,(MW−1))[β_(i) P ₂(m−i)]  (43)

Corr _(—) I′=Ex _(i=0,(MW−1))[β_(i) Corr _(—) I(m−i)]  (44)

Corr _(—) Q′=Ex _(i=0,(MW−1))[β_(i) Corr _(—) Q(m−i)]  (45)

[0107] Here a weighted average length MW and weight value β_(i) are predetermined values.

[0108] {circle over (3)} Phase Rotation Correction of Noise Correlation

[0109] Noise correlation Corr after correction of phase rotation is calculated in accordance with the following equation taking Equation (35) into consideration:

Corr=Corr _(—) I′ cos(θ₁−θ₂)+Corr _(—) Q′ sin(θ₁−θ₂)  (46)

[0110] where θ₁, θ₂ represent the rotational phases of A₁′, A₂′, respectively, ascribable to the propagation path characteristic.

[0111] {circle over (4)} Calculation of Weighting Coefficients

[0112] The weighting coefficients G₁, G₂ of branches 1, 2, respectively, are calculated in accordance with the following equations taking Equations (13), (14) into consideration:

G ₁ =|A ₁ ′|/{P ₁′−(|A ₁ ′|/|A ₂′|)Corr}  (47)

G ₂ =|A ₂ ′|/{P ₂′−(|A ₂ ′|/|A ₁′|)Corr}  (48)

[0113] {circle over (5)} Discrimination of Sign of Weighting Coefficients

[0114] Next, the calculation G₁|A₁′|+G₂|A₂′| is performed. If the sign is positive, the final weighting coefficients G₁′, G₂′ are made as follows:

G ₁ ′=G ₁  (49)

G ₂ ′=G ₂  (50)

[0115] If the sign is negative, the final weighting coefficients G₁′, G₂′ are made as follows:

G ₁ ′=−G ₁  (51)

G ₂ ′=−G ₂  (52)

[0116] {circle over (6)} Application of Phase-correction Vector to Weighting Coefficient

[0117] It is necessary that the phases of the receive signals on branches 1, 2 be made to match before the signals are combined by the combiner 9. It is therefore necessary to multiply the receive signals by the weighting coefficients using the multipliers 8-1, 8-2 and to subject the products to −θ₁, −θ₂ rotation processing. Accordingly, in the present invention, the weighting-coefficient calculating unit 6 multiplies the weighting coefficients G₁′, G₂′ obtained in {circle over (5)} above by e^(−jθ1), e^(−jθ2), respectively, and inputs the products to the multipliers 8-1, 8-2, respectively, whereby processing for rotation by −θ₁, −θ₂ is applied to the product outputs of the multipliers 8-1, 8-2, respectively. That is, the weighting-coefficient calculating unit 6 finds G₁″, G₂″ in accordance with the following equations:

G ₁ ″=e ^(−jθ1) G ₁′  (53)

G ₂ ″=e ^(−jθ2) G ₂′  (54)

[0118] and inputs G₁″, G₂″ to the multipliers 8-1, 8-2, respectively. Here θ₁, θ₂ represent the phases of A₁′, A₂′ ascribable to the propagation path characteristics. Further, e^(jθ) is the complex number of amplitude 1 and phase θ, and e^(−jθ1), e^(−jθ2) are correction vectors for correcting phase rotation of the demodulated symbols on branches 1, 2.

[0119] The buffers 7-1, 7-2 output the demodulated symbols of branches 1, 2, which are input thereto, upon delaying them by a length of time equivalent to the delay time from the desired-signal/noise-signal detector 3-1 to the weighting-coefficient calculating unit 6.

[0120] The multiplier 8-1 multiplies the output of the buffer 7-1 by G₁″, which is the output of the weighting-coefficient calculating unit 6, and the multiplier 8-2 multiplies the output of the buffer 7-2 by G₂″, which is the output of the weighting-coefficient calculating unit 6. The combiner 9 adds and outputs the result of multiplication by the multiplier 8-1 and the result of multiplication by the multiplier 8-2. The combiner 9 outputs demodulated symbols obtained as a result of diversity combining.

[0121]FIG. 6 is a flowchart of the above-described processing for calculating weighting coefficients. The same step numbers {circle over (1)} to {circle over (6)} are assigned to steps that correspond to the processing of {circle over (1)} to {circle over (6)} above.

[0122] (E) Other Processing for Calculating Weighting Coefficients

[0123] The above-described weighting-coefficient calculation processing {circle over (4)} includes finding the K=K^((op)) for which dγ/dK=0 holds, deriving the calculation formulae for the weighting coefficients G₁, G₂ using K^((op)), and calculating the weighting coefficients G₁, G₂ in accordance with Equations (47), (48) using these calculation formulae. However, instead of calculating the weighting coefficients as set forth in {circle over (4)} above, it is possible to find the weighting coefficients G₁, G₂ of branches 1, 2, respectively, by the following processing: repeating processing for calculating the signal-to-noise power ratio γ in accordance with Equation (55) below while changing the value of K, and finding the value of K for which γ is maximized.

γ=(1+K) ²/(M ₁ ² +K ² M ₂ ²+2KM ₁ M ₂ N ₁₂)  (55)

[0124] where

M ₁ =B ₁ /|A ₁′|  (56)

M ₂ =B ₂ /|A ₂′|  (57)

B ₁ B ₂ N ₁₂ =Corr  (58)

B ₁ ² =P ₁′  (59)

B ₂ ² =P ₂′  (60)

[0125] If the value of K for which γ is maximized has been found, then the weighting coefficients G₁, G₂ are obtained in accordance with the following equations:

G ₁=1/|A ₁′  (61)

G ₂ =K/|A ₂′  (62)

[0126] where | indicates calculation of the absolute value.

[0127] A specific method of finding the value of K for which γ is maximized will be described in accordance with the processing flow of FIG. 7.

[0128] The SNR γ can be expressed by Equation (6), namely

γ=(1+K)²/(M ₁ ² +K ² M ₂ ²+2KM ₁ M ₂ N ₁₂)  (6)

[0129] It should be obvious from Equation (6) that SNR γ will be zero at K=−1. Hence, γ=0 at K=−1 is used as the initial value. Accordingly, initialization to K=−1, maximum value MAX=0 is performed at step 101.

[0130] Next, K is incremented by a predetermined minute amount of change ΔK and SNR γ is calculated in accordance with Equation (6) (steps 102, 103).

[0131] When SNR γ has been calculated, the maximum value MAX and SNR γ are compared (step 104). If SNR γ is greater, then MAX is replaced by γ and the value of K at this time retained as K^((op)) (MAX=γ; step 105).

[0132] It is then determined whether K has reached a set value on the plus side (step 106) and the processing of steps 102 to 105 is repeated until K attains the set value on the plus side.

[0133] If K attains the set value on the plus side, K is initialized to −1 (step 107), after which K is decremented by the predetermined minute amount of change ΔK and SNR γ is calculated in accordance with Equation (6) (steps 108, 109).

[0134] When SNR γ has been calculated, the maximum value MAX and SNR γ are compared (step 110). If SNR γ is greater, then MAX is replaced by γ and the value of K at this time retained as K^((op)) (MAX=γ; step 111).

[0135] It is then determined whether K has reached a set value on the minus side (step 112) and the processing of steps 108 to 111 is repeated until K attains the set value on the minus side.

[0136] If K attains the set value on the minus side, K^((op)) that was retained when the maximum value MAX was obtained is adopted as the weighting coefficient for which the signal-to-noise power ratio is maximized. The weighting coefficients G₁, G₂ on the branches 1,2 are then calculated in accordance with the following equations (step 113):

G ₁=1/|A ₁′|  (63)

G ₂ =K ^((op)) /|A ₂′|  (64)

[0137] Basically, K^((op)) can be found through the procedure described above. However, the amount of processing/calculation can be reduced by following the following procedure:

[0138] It can readily be imagined that the K that maximizes the SNR γ of Equation (6) will always exist among values greater than K=−1 on the condition that M₂≧M₁ holds. For example, if N₁₂=1 holds in Equation (8), then the following equation will hold for K:

K=M ₁(M ₁ −M ₂)/M ₂(M ₂ −M ₁)=−(M ₁ /M ₂)

[0139] If M₂≧M₁ holds, therefore, then

K=−(M ₁ /M ₂)≧−1

[0140] will hold. In this environment, therefore, it is possible to eliminate steps 107 to 112. Processing can be abbreviated in similar fashion if M₂≦M₁ holds.

[0141] (F) Results of Simulation

[0142] The effects of the present invention will now be described in accordance with the results of a simulation. The simulation conditions SNR=0 dB on branch 1 and SNR=6 dB on branch 2. The results of the simulation are shown in FIG. 8. The “theoretical” values in FIG. 8 are based upon Equation (9). In FIG. 8, N₁₂ along the horizontal axis is a parameter indicating the correlation between noise components contained in branches 1 and 2; the closer N₁₂ is to 1, the greater the correlation. The vertical axis indicates the SNR after signals are combined. FIG. 8 demonstrates that the diversity combining method of the present invention improves SNR even when noise correlation increases. More specifically, SNR does not fall below the SNR (=6 dB) of whichever of the branch signals prior to combining has the higher quality. By contrast, with the maximum ratio combining method of the prior art, the greater the noise correlation, the smaller the SNR of the combined signal; rather than improving, the characteristic deteriorates owing to the combining of the signals. In other words, SNR falls below the SNR (=6 dB) of whichever of the branch signals prior to combining has the higher quality.

[0143] Diversity combining and receiving of two branch signals has been illustrated in the foregoing embodiment. However, the present invention naturally is applicable to the diversity combining and receiving of signals on three or more branches. Further, this embodiment illustrates the case of a mobile communications system in which known data of a predetermined duration is transmitted upon being inserted at predetermined time intervals between items of transmitted information data on the transmitting side. However, the present invention naturally is applicable in the case of other systems as well. Further, in operation according to the above embodiment, a case is illustrated in which processing is executed in the form of complex signals. However, the form of signal expression is not limited to this arrangement.

[0144] (G) Example of Application of Present Invention

[0145] (a) Example of Application to Beam Control of Directional Antenna

[0146]FIG. 9 is a diagram useful in describing an example of application in which the present invention is applied to beam control of a directional antenna. Illustrated in FIG. 9 are the weighting-coefficient calculating unit 6, directional antennas 10-1, 10-2, directivity controllers 11-1, 11-2, branch signal output terminals 12-1, 12-2, parameter input terminals 13-1, 13-2 and an antenna directivity weight generator 14. The weighting-coefficient calculating unit 6 is a component that is the same as the weighting-coefficient calculating unit of FIG. 4.

[0147] In this arrangement, the antenna directivity weight generator 14 uses parameters 13-1, 13-2, which enter from the weighting-coefficient calculating unit 6, to calculate antenna directivity weights W₁, W₂ so as to raise the diversity gain of the receiving apparatus connected downstream, and outputs the weights W₁, W₂ to the directivity controllers 11-1, 11-2, respectively. The directivity controllers 11-1, 11-2 control the directional antennas 10-1, 10-2 mechanically or electrically based upon the antenna directivity weights W₁, W₂ indicated by the antenna directivity weight generator 14 and output the respective receive signals from the signal output terminal 12-1 of branch 1 and the signal output terminal 12-2 of branch 2. By adopting this arrangement, it is possible to raise the diversity gain of the receiving apparatus connected downstream.

[0148] Though the foregoing description relates to a receiving antenna, the information can be used also as information for deciding the antenna directivity weights of a transmitting antenna.

[0149] (b) Example of Application to Path Selection Control in Path Searcher

[0150]FIG. 10 is a diagram useful in describing an example in which the present invention is applied to path selection control in a path searcher. A receiving apparatus that employs spread-spectrum communication includes a searcher 22, a demodulator 23 constituted by a number of fingers, and an adder 24 referred to as a combiner. The searcher 22 detects path phases of multipath channels by applying despread processing using a predetermined spreading code to receive signals on branches 1 and 2. If it were a prior-art searcher, the searcher 22 would assign to fingers those paths having high power values from among the number of path phases obtained as the result of despread processing, and the outputs of these fingers would undergo RAKE combining in the combiner 24. However, according to the present invention, the searcher 22 decides path phase based upon parameter values that enter from the weighting-coefficient calculating unit 6 and the results of despread processing in such a manner that the requisite diversity gain is obtained, thereby making it possible to select path phase efficiently. In other words, the searcher 22 takes into consideration the weighting coefficients between the branches, which signals are output from the weighting-coefficient calculating unit 6, to make the determination as to which paths should be assigned to the fingers.

[0151] Thus, in accordance with the present invention as described above, the cross-correlation between noise components contained in receive signals on respective ones of receiving branches is taken into account to decide the weighting coefficients of the receive signals on the respective branches in such a manner that SNR after the signals are combined will be maximized. As a result, even if the correlation between noise components contained in the receive signals is large, the characteristics will always be improved by combining signals or, in the worst case, the SNR of high quality can be maintained. This means that the SNR will not fall below the SNR of whichever of the branch signals prior to combining has the high quality.

[0152] As many apparently widely different embodiments of the present invention can be made without departing from the spirit and scope thereof, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the specific embodiments thereof except as defined in the appended claims. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A receiving method in a mobile communications receiving apparatus for combining and receiving signals that have been received on a plurality of receiving paths, comprising the steps of: calculating correlation between noise signals contained in the signals received on respective ones of the receiving paths; and exercising control based upon the calculated correlation so as to maximize signal-to-noise power ratio of the combined signal.
 2. The method according to claim 1, wherein said second step comprising the steps of: calculating weighting coefficients of respective ones of the receive signals using the correlation in such a manner that the signal-to-noise power ratio of the combined signal will be maximized; multiplying the receive signals by the corresponding weighting coefficients; and outputting the combined signal by combining results of multiplication.
 3. A receiving method in a mobile communications receiving apparatus, comprising the steps of: expressing signal-to-noise power ratio using a prescribed parameter; calculating an optimum parameter value for which an amount of change in the signal-to-noise power ratio with respect to a minute change in the parameter will be zero; and controlling reception using the optimum parameter value.
 4. A receiving method in a mobile communications receiving apparatus for combining and receiving signals that have been received on a plurality of receiving paths, comprising the steps of: expressing a signal-to-noise power ratio of the combined signal using a weighting coefficient; calculating an optimum weighting coefficient value for which an amount of change in the signal-to-noise power ratio with respect to a minute change in the weighting coefficient will be zero; and combining the receive signals upon applying the optimum weighting coefficient value to the receive signals.
 5. A receiving method in a mobile communications receiving apparatus, comprising the steps of: expressing signal-to-noise power ratio using a prescribed parameter; repeating processing for calculating signal-to-noise power ratio while changing the value of the parameter, and calculating an optimum parameter value for which the signal-to-noise power ratio is maximized; and controlling reception using the optimum parameter value so as to maximize the signal-to-noise power ratio.
 6. A receiving method in a mobile communications receiving apparatus for combining and receiving signals that have been received on a plurality of receiving paths, comprising the steps of: expressing a signal-to-noise power ratio of the combined signal using a weighting coefficient; repeating processing for calculating signal-to-noise power ratio while changing the value of the weighting coefficient, and calculating an optimum weighting coefficient for which the signal-to-noise power ratio is maximized; and combining the receive signals upon applying the optimum weighting coefficient value to the receive signals.
 7. A mobile communications receiving apparatus for combining and receiving signals that have been received on a plurality of receiving paths, comprising: a correlation calculating unit for calculating correlation between noise signals contained in the signals received on respective ones of the receiving paths; and a controller for exercising control based upon the calculated correlation so as to maximize signal-to-noise power ratio of the combined signal.
 8. The apparatus according to claim 7, wherein said controller includes: arithmetic units for calculating weighting coefficients of respective ones of the receive signals using the correlation in such a manner that the signal-to-noise power ratio of the combined signal will be maximized; multipliers for multiplying the receive signals by the corresponding weighting coefficients; and a combiner for outputting the combined signal by combining outputs from the multipliers.
 9. The apparatus according to claim 8, wherein said arithmetic units calculate the weighting coefficients of respective ones of the receive signals using said correlation, amplitudes of desired signals contained in respective ones of the receive signals, and power of noise signals contained in respective ones of the receive signals.
 10. A mobile communications receiving apparatus for combining and receiving signals that have been received on a plurality of receiving paths, comprising: an optimum weighting coefficient calculating unit for expressing a signal-to-noise power ratio of the combined signal using a weighting coefficient applied to a receive signal, and calculating an optimum weighting coefficient value for which an amount of change in the signal-to-noise power ratio with respect to a minute change in the weighting coefficient will be zero; and a weighting coefficient applying unit for controlling the signal-to-noise power ratio of the combined signal by applying the optimum weighting coefficient to the receive signal.
 11. A mobile communications receiving apparatus for combining and receiving signals that have been received on a plurality of receiving paths, comprising: an optimum weighting coefficient calculating unit for expressing a signal-to-noise power ratio of the combined signal using a weighting coefficient applied to a receive signal, repeating processing for calculating signal-to-noise power ratio while changing the value of the weighting coefficient, and calculating an optimum weighting coefficient for which the signal-to-noise power ratio is maximized; and a weighting coefficient applying unit for controlling the signal-to-noise power ratio of the combined signal by applying the optimum weighting coefficient to the receive signal.
 12. A mobile communications receiving apparatus for combining and receiving signals that have been received on a plurality of receiving paths, comprising: desired signal detecting means, provided in association with respective ones of a plurality of receive signals received on a plurality of receiving paths, for detecting amplitude information of desired signals contained in respective ones of the receive signals; noise signal detecting means, provided in association with respective ones of the receive signals, for detecting noise signals contained in respective ones of the receive signals; noise average power detecting means, provided in association with respective ones of the receive signals, for detecting average power of the noise signals detected by said noise signal detecting means; noise correlation detecting means for detecting cross-correlation of the noise signals with regard to all combinations of the plurality of noise signals detected by said plurality of noise signal detecting means; weighting-coefficient calculating means for calculating optimum weighting coefficient values, for which an amount of change in the signal-to-noise power ratio with respect to a minute change in the weighting coefficients will be zero, based upon the amplitude information of the desired signals detected by respective ones of said desired signal detecting means, the noise average power detected by respective ones of said noise average power detecting means and the noise-signal cross-correlation detected by said noise correlation detecting means; weighting means for multiplying the receive signals by corresponding ones of the optimum weighting coefficients calculated by said weighting-coefficient calculating means; and combining means for adding outputs from all of said weighting means.
 13. A mobile communications receiving apparatus for combining and receiving signals that have been received on a plurality of receiving paths, comprising: desired signal detecting means, provided in association with respective ones of a plurality of receive signals received on a plurality of receiving paths, for detecting amplitude information of desired signals contained in respective ones of the receive signals; noise signal detecting means, provided in association with respective ones of the receive signals, for detecting noise signals contained in respective ones of the receive signals; noise average power detecting means, provided in association with respective ones of the receive signals, for detecting average power of the noise signals detected by said noise signal detecting means; noise correlation detecting means for detecting cross-correlation of the noise signals with regard to all combinations of the plurality of noise signals detected by said plurality of noise signal detecting means; weighting coefficient calculating means, for calculating weighting coefficients for which the signal-to-noise power ratio is maximized, based upon the amplitude information of the desired signals detected by respective ones of said desired signal detecting means, the noise average power detected by respective ones of said noise average power detecting means and the noise-signal cross-correlation detected by said noise correlation detecting means; weighting means for multiplying the receive signals by corresponding ones of the weighting coefficients calculated by said weighting-coefficient calculating means; and combining means for adding outputs from all of the weighting means.
 14. The apparatus according to claim 13, wherein said weighting coefficient calculating means repeats processing for calculating signal-to-noise power ratio while changing the value of the weighting coefficient, and obtains an optimum weighting coefficient for which the signal-to-noise power ratio is maximized.
 15. A mobile communications receiving apparatus for combining and receiving signals that have been received on a plurality of receiving paths, comprising: desired signal detecting means, provided in association with respective ones of a plurality of receive signals received on a plurality of receiving paths, for detecting amplitude information of desired signals contained in respective ones of the receive signals; noise signal detecting means, provided in association with respective ones of the receive signals, for detecting noise signals contained in respective ones of the receive signals; noise average power detecting means, provided in association with respective ones of the receive signals, for detecting average power of the noise signals detected by said noise signal detecting means; noise correlation detecting means for detecting cross-correlation of the noise signals with regard to all combinations of the plurality of noise signals detected by said plurality of noise signal detecting means; weighting coefficient calculating means for calculating weighting coefficients based upon the amplitude information of the desired signals detected by respective ones of said desired signal detecting means, the noise average power detected by respective ones of said noise average power detecting means and the noise-signal cross-correlation detected by said noise correlation detecting means; weighting means for multiplying the receive signals by corresponding ones of the weighting coefficients calculated by said weighting-coefficient calculating means; and combining means for adding outputs from all of the weighting means; wherein said noise correlation detecting means calculates cross-correlation between a noise signal of a prescribed receiving path 1 and a noise signal of another receiving path 2 by (1) adding the product of Y1 and Y2 to the product of X1 and X2 and obtaining an expected value of the sum, (2) multiplying the expected value by the cosine value of the difference between a desired-signal phase of the receiving path 2 and a desired-signal phase of the receiving path 1, (3) subtracting the product of X1 and Y2 from the product of X2 and Y1 and obtaining an expected value of the difference, (4) multiplying the expected value by the sine value of the difference between the desired-signal phase of the receiving path 2 and the desired-signal phase of the receiving path 1, and (5) summing the products, where X1 represents an in-phase component of noise of the receiving path 1, X2 an in-phase component of noise of the receiving path 2, Y1 a quadrature component of noise of the receiving path 1 and Y2 a quadrature component of noise of the receiving path 2; and if there have been found a plurality of sets of weighting coefficients of each of the receiving paths for which an amount of change in signal-to-noise power ratio with respect to a minute change in the weighting coefficients becomes zero, then, when the desired signal amplitudes of the respective receiving paths have been added upon being weighted by the corresponding weighting coefficients set by set, said weighting coefficient calculating means outputs a set of the weighting coefficients for which the sum will be a positive value.
 16. A mobile communications receiving apparatus for combining and receiving signals that have been received on a plurality of receiving paths in a mobile communications system in which known data of a predetermined duration is transmitted upon being inserted at predetermined time intervals between items of transmitted information data on a transmitting side, said apparatus comprising: desired signal detecting means, provided in association with respective ones of a plurality of receive signals received on a plurality of receiving paths, for detecting, as amplitude information of desired signals, average values of the receive signals in known-data intervals from which known data components have been eliminated; noise signal detecting means, provided in association with respective ones of the receive signals, for detecting, as noise signals, signals obtained by subtracting the amplitude values of the desired signals of corresponding times from respective ones of the receive signals in the known-data intervals from which data components have been eliminated; noise average power detecting means, provided in association with respective ones of the receive signals, for detecting average power of the noise signals in the known-data intervals detected by said noise signal detecting means; noise correlation detecting means for detecting cross-correlation of the noise signals in the known-data intervals with regard to all combinations of the plurality of noise signals detected by said plurality of noise signal detecting means; weighting coefficient calculating means for calculating weighting coefficient values based upon the amplitude information of the desired signals in the known-data intervals detected by respective ones of said desired signal detecting means, the noise average power in the known-data intervals detected by respective ones of said noise average power detecting means and the noise-signal cross-correlation in the known-data intervals detected by said noise correlation detecting means; weighting means for multiplying the receive signals by corresponding ones of the weighting coefficients calculated by said weighting-coefficient calculating means; and combining means for adding outputs from all of said weighting means; wherein said noise correlation detecting means calculates cross-correlation between a noise signal of a prescribed receiving path 1 and a noise signal of another receiving path 2 by (1) adding the product of Y1 and Y2 to the product of X1 and X2 and obtaining an expected value of the sum, (2) multiplying the expected value by the cosine value of the difference between a desired-signal phase of the receiving path 2 and a desired-signal phase of the receiving path 1, (3) subtracting the product of X1 and Y2 from the product of X2 and Y1 and obtaining an expected value of the difference, (4) multiplying the expected value by the sine value of the difference between the desired-signal phase of the receiving path 2 and the desired-signal phase of the receiving path 1, and (5) summing the products, where X1 represents an in-phase component of noise of the receiving path 1, X2 an in-phase component of noise of the receiving path 2, Y1 a quadrature component of noise of the receiving path 1 and Y2 a quadrature component of noise of the receiving path 2; and if there have been found a plurality of sets of weighting coefficients of each of the receiving paths for which an amount of change in signal-to-noise power ratio with respect to a minute change in the weighting coefficients becomes zero, then, when the desired signal amplitudes of the respective receiving paths have been added upon being weighted by the corresponding weighting coefficients set by set, said weighting coefficient calculating means outputs a set of the weighting coefficients for which the sum will be a positive value. 